NTSB seeks ban on cell phone use while driving, even hands-free

The feds can't get in involved. They only have the FBI, who deal with interstate flight and have NO patrol capability. As the article Nathan posted said, this is a STATE issue. The feds do not interfere with, or enforce state law. If the carrier decided to work with separate states on this issue, there would be a lot of subscribers switching to one that did not. Too much money loss for that the happen.

Jim

 

Tests done in the UK found that using a phone while driving was the same as being drunk - and with no big difference between hand-held and hands-free phone use.

We have a national no-hand-held phone ban but lots of people ignore it - as someone has said, lots of people believe they (and only they) are a careful driver so it's OK for them to use a phone. Just the same argument that lots of people used to give about drink driving ("I actually drive more carefully after one drink", etc).

 

Not usually for any new laws and not sure if this is a Federal problem, but there is not a day that goes by that we aren't forced into a game of dodge the cell phone user... Most folks can't drive a lick without talking on the phone, much less when the phone is in use.

Ban it.

PS: If I use my phone whilst driving, it is only long enough to tell the caller I will return their call later.

 

I'm guessing the NTSB is not a big fan of MINI Connect -- Facebook, Twitter, web searches for music via MOG/Pandora/etc. At least a Bluetooth-enabled hands-free phone integrated into the car's onboard system doesn't necessitate taking one's eyes off the road (unless you happen to glance over to see the ID of an incoming call). I think I get more distracted by a balky Voice Recognition control.

I think Scott hit the nail on the head. It's all just added distraction. Does anyone think a 18-year old kid on a Friday afternoon with three of his raucous buddies crammed into the car is less distracted than if he were traveling alone and talking on a hands-free device? I can see prohibiting non-driving activities that, by their nature, force you to take your eyes off the road, but the boundaries get real fuzzy from there.

 

I think we can all agree, it's dangerious. Think of who stands to lose $ and you will have the outfit twisting the politians arm not to outlaw the practice. This is not the Feds business, it's the State.

 

I respectfully disagree. NTSB is Fed. The air waves are controlled by Fed. You could even make a case for it being interstate commerce and thus also falling under Fed.

What boggles the mind is that everyone agrees that this is a problem. Why, then, is this even a discussion?

 

I agree Scott....but what is the definition of distration while driving? Is it trying to eat a Big Mac that you just bought at McDonald's? If so, then do we allow the feds to ban all drive-thru fast food? How about a couple of screaming kids in car seats in the back seat of a moving vehicle? Do we allow the feds to ban hauling kids in the car without another adult sitting next to them as an attendant? I agree that it is an issue....but where do we draw the line? Having my teenage daughter riding next to me in the car while delivering typical teenage drama on her cell phone is distracting also....can we get that banned too :biggrin5:

 

The distinction might be defined as an action not a distraction.

Kids in the back seat are a distraction, talking, texting or surfing the web on a device is an action that an individual undertakes.....an action that requires the individuals attention to complete.

How about that?

 

Yes it is a problem, but so are many other things already mentioned. My point is simply "how do you enforce it"? I just can't see you getting pulled over by an FBI Special Agent and asked to show them your driver's license and registration.

As Norm said. This is a state issue not a federal one.

Jim

 

Eating the Big Mac without dripping grease on your lap would still fit this definition. So would using Voice Command. I can think of a few other unmentionable things too... :nonod:

 

As I recall the National 55 mph speed limit was enforced by states?

 

Government can make all the laws they want to, but they have to enforce them, unless they go through a process like Nathan stated. Enforcement of State and Federal law and by whom is a very tricky business.

The NTSB is in a position to observe happenings and trends all over the country and make recommendations, according to their findings, for the States to act upon if they chose. They should NOT be in the law making business.

Jim

 

Agree.

NTSB should recommend that States enact stronger laws against the use of phones and devices while driving but the States themselves should have the final say.

 

All very good points, but my point (LOL) is that if it causes an accident then it is a crime. No reason to ban the "distraction", only apply some consequenses to that action.

 

Remember that the Feds can, and have done so in the past, hold hostage funds earmarked for the States if the States choose not to do as they are told by the mothership.

 

Actually that is a very good idea Scott. Of course you are talking about a country, where you can get three life sentences and still be eligible for parole at some point, so what would the consequences be?

Jim

 

Don't know, not that smart.....lol

But I would guess it could be like the additional charge when you get into an accident while drunk.

 

All good points but in the end ....follow the money. Lost revenues as a result of reduced air time will persuade the implementation of any non use agenda.

 

Good answer and it would work, but of the first offence was state they could not tack on a federal charge.

CHKMINI is right, IMHO. The carriers are not going to stand by and let this happen. Too much money to be lost and sadly, money drives everything.

Jim